Water Research & Innovation Precinct (video transcript)

The desire to make Perth a leading waterwise city by 2030 has been a driving factor in the creation of our new innovation hub, the Water Research and Innovation Precinct.

[Background music]

[Ashley Vincent] Water is fundamental for life on Earth and plays an intrinsic role in our WA lifestyle. An integral part of the water
cycle is waste water treatment and
recycling.

From the early days of no
sanitation, the major public health
problems, to the formation of the state's
first water utility. It's evolved to
deliver dramatic improvements to public
health and environmental protection.

Wastewater is no longer seen as a
problem, but rather a valuable resource
to be recycled and reused.

[Nicola Williams] And, this is
just the beginning. I'm part of the next
generation questioning the idea of waste
water altogether because we aren't
wasters of water anymore. Water Corporation's commitment to
innovation is why I'm here. We aim to be
a water-wise City by 2030, and I'm
determined to make it happen.

For these
big ideas, we needed a physical space to
pool our knowledge, get our hands dirty
and work together to achieve big results.

[Ashley Vincent] And we found a way here on the grounds
of our Subiaco wastewater treatment
plant, we've created a Water Research and
Innovation Precinct. By repurposing some
existing buildings, we've created a space
to pilot new treatment technologies that
can connect directly to wastewater
streams and produce real data on how
they work.

Our wastewater assets are very
long-lived so it's important we have the
best information we can so that when new
technologies come along we can have the
confidence that they can integrate with
our existing assets, and evolve over time.

[Nicola Williams] An engaged where culture is really
important to me. A space like this means
I'm able to work alongside passionate,
like-minded colleagues who also seek
these opportunities of professional
development. We're all here to make a
difference to our planet.

This site at
Subiaco is ideal, because we can work
with other industries in the surrounding
areas to share resources for mutual
benefits, and create a valued urban space.

[Ashley Vincent] Breakthroughs in wastewater treatment
and the latest innovations are being
generated globally, so it's important we
partner with technology providers and
academics to bring this new knowledge to
our business.

We're looking to form
strategic partnerships, and collaborate
with research organisations to ensure
Water Corporation is always
at the cutting edge of delivering
improved efficiency and sustainability.

[Nicola Williams] Our pioneer project is the Membrane
Aerated Biofilm Reactor. If this
technology proves successful, it will
enable us to double the wastewater
treatment capacity within the existing
footprints. Achieving a smaller footprint
is just one of our six core objectives.

[Ashley Vincent] We're confident this Water Research and Innovation Precinct will grow into something big. And, in time we'll help Water Corporation deliver a more sustainable future, and positive legacy for WA.